iddell had become a
Welcher; whether it was true that he had been turned out of the
schoolhouse for being incompetent; and whether he had been kicked out of
the captaincy as well.

Mr Crossfield said he had been requested to reply. And first he must
congratulate the hon. member on having succeeded in asking a question
which any one could understand. (Laughter.)

In reply, he understood Mr Riddell had been sent to Welch's in order to
study the virtues of a fellow called Tucker, who was--

Mr Tucker, rising: Mr Chairman, I didn't put my question in order to
be insulted by Crossfield or any one. (Laughter.)

Mr Crossfield.--I apologise to the hon. gentleman. I will not insult
him by supposing he has any virtues. I should say Mr Riddell has gone
to take a few lessons in the art of keeping a house in order, which no
one can so well teach him as Mr Tucker. (Loud laughter.) In reply to
the gentleman's second question--

Mr Tucker.--I don't want any more. (Laughter.)

Mr Crossfield.--In reply to the gentleman's second question, I am sorry
to inform him that his impressions are about as correct and intelligent
as they usually are. (Renewed cheers and laughter, in the midst of
which Tucker subsided in a state of mind hardly amiable.)

As soon as silence was restored, Mr Porter wished to ask the captain of
the eleven whether the team to play against Rockshire was yet settled.

Mr Bloomfield.--Not quite. Nine names are fixed--Game, Tipper, Ashley,
Wibberly, and myself from Parrett's house, and Fairbairn, Porter,
Coates, and Crossfield from the schoolhouse. (Cheers and counter-
cheers, and loud cries of "What about the Welchers?") What about the
Welchers? That's what everybody wants to know! (Loud cheers.)

Hereupon Mr Cusack rose in his place and asked if the House was aware
that the Welchers' cricket club was started again; that he was the
secretary; and old Mr Pil the treasurer, and Mr Riddell the president,
that the subscription was two shillings and sixpence in advance, and
that-- But here the enthusiastic secretary's announcement was drowned in
the general laughter of the assembly, led by the Parrett's juniors, who
roared as if they'd never heard such a joke in their lives. "Won't be a
joke when we smash you in one innings," shouted Cusack, standing on his
seat to give emphasis to the challenge. "Ho, ho! when's that to be?"

"When you like," cried the Welchers. "Do you funk it?"

"Unless those junio